Effects of Body Surface Area Estimates on Predicted Energy Requirements and Heat Stress

Abstract

The 0.09 × W0.67 equation (where W = weight in kilograms) used to estimate body surface area (SA) in cattle energy requirements models was developed using measurements of sheep that weighed between 24 and 38 kg. The SA estimates it produced were compared with those of the equation 0.14 × W0.57, based on Holstein cattle weighing 41 to 617 kg. The estimate of SA produced by the first equation was 23% greater for a 650-kg cow than that obtained by the second equation. The impact of SA estimates on thermal comfort range and development of cold and heat stress effects was calculated, using a thermal balance model, for a 600-kg cow producing 35 kg/d. Predicted metabolic heat production increment at −10°C ambient temperature with 0.5 m/s wind velocity was 0.44 Mcal/d and 1.21 Mcal/d by the first and second equation, respectively. Predicted lower critical temperature (LCT) was −8.7°C by the first equation and −0.6°C by the second equation, an 8°C difference. The LCT difference between SA estimates increased from 4.6 to 9.4°C, with milk production rising from 10 to 45 kg/d. By the first equation, skin nonevaporative heat loss started to decrease at 15°C and became close to nil at and ambient temperature of 35°C, whereas by the second equation, respective values were 10°C and 39°C, a 5°C shift in the estimated temperature at which thermal stress would start developing. The larger SA and skin water loss predicted by the first equation reduced by 50% the respiratory heat loss involved in maintenance of thermal balance at higher temperatures for a 600-kg cow. The second equation seems preferable for Holstein SA estimation since it is based on Holstein cattle data. It provides more adequate estimates of energy requirement in the cold and of heat stress relief needs for Holstein cattle.